Grand Theft Auto San Andreas is a timeless classic. Believe it or not, the game will turn 20 this year. 20 years later, GTA San Andreas has become more than just a game, it has become a cultural milestone for a generation of gamers. The plot, the map, the side quests, and the iconic GTA San Andreas characters make the game legendary. The influence of the game can be seen in modern gaming and pop culture as a whole. The characters of GTA San Andreas have transcended the game and taken on a life of their own. Whether they are good, bad, or downright ugly, these characters have catapulted GTA San Andreas into a timeless piece of pop culture history. Let’s take a look at the top ten best GTA San Andreas characters that made the game unforgettable.

Top Ten Best GTA San Andreas Characters

1. CJ

Sorry for being completely obvious but there will never not be a top GTA San Andreas character list without CJ in it. Returning to Los Santos after 5 years in Liberty City following his mother’s murder, Carl Johnson reluctantly gets sucked into the ugly family business. We go on a journey with CJ on his quest to reclaim his neighborhood. We explore the themes of redemption, justice, loyalty, and brotherhood through CJ’s character. His sense of duty, faithfulness, and sheer relatability allow you to identify with him. Voiced by the incredibly talented Christopher Bellard, Carl Johnson will forever be a legend.

2. Cesar

Cesar Vialpando personifies the saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. Cesar and CJ form an incredible bond and unlikely alliance as the game progresses. In a world where loyalties are fickle Ceasar is an incredible exception who stays by the side of CJ through thick and thin assisting him during tough times. Clifton Collins Jr. did a fantastic job voicing Cesar. Cesar is a prime example of how initial disagreements can evolve into an unbreakable bond over time.

3. Wu Zi Mu “Woozie”

Talking of loyalty and friendship, Wu Zi Mu was one of the best allies CJ had in the game. Woozie is the blind leader of the Mountain Cloud Boys Triads based in San Fierro’s Chinatown. Woozie’s character provides a unique contrast to the more aggressive and streetwise figures in the game. His calm demeanor, intelligence, and loyalty make him a valuable ally to CJ. His banter and quick wit make him one of the best characters in GTA San Andreas.

4. The Truth

The Truth is a free-spirited counter-culture environmentalist. He is one of the most beloved GTA San Andreas characters of all time. His conspiracy theories and off-beat philosophical ramblings make him a humorous and intriguing character. His laid-back stoner personality is a great contrast to the straightforward characters in the game making him a fan-favorite in the GTA community.

5. Mike Toreno

Introduced as a high-ranking government agent in the mission “Wear Flowers in Your Hair”, Mike Toreno is one of the significant characters in the game. He exudes authority and influence in a charming way. Despite his reputation for giving the most challenging missions in the game, Toreno’s cut scenes are some of the fun in the game.

6. Kendl

Kendl is often the voice of reason in the Johnson family. Kendl is probably the only GTA San Andreas character who is not involved in any kind of shady activities. She acts as the glue that keeps the Johnson family together and prioritizes relationships over business. Kendl plays a crucial role in the San Andreas world by tipping the morality scale, offering a moral counterbalance in the game’s complex narrative.

7. Ryder

Ryder is one of the antagonists of the San Andreas saga, however, he is one of the entertaining characters to chill with, especially in the early stages of the game. His dialogue, his looks, and his unwitting actions make him one of the iconic and hilarious GTA San Andreas characters.

8. Sweet

Sweet is the leader of the Grove Street Famillies. Even though he has a quarrelsome relationship with CJ at the beginning of the game. His character embodies the themes of loyalty, family, and the struggles of life in the gang-ridden streets of Los Santos, making him one of the most memorable figures in the GTA series.

9. Frank Tenpenny

Frank Tenpenny is the big evil in the GTA San Andreas world. Voiced by the legendary Samuel L Jackson, as a corrupt officer of the Los Santos Police Department and a member of the C.R.A.S.H. unit (Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums), Tenpenny is one of the vile and devious villains in the GTA series. Tenpenny’s character is a commentary on the corruption within institutions meant to protect and serve the public. Embodying the dark side of power and authority Tenpenny’s eventual downfall is a key moment in the game, bringing an end to his reign of terror.

10. Big Smoke

In the early stages of the game, Big Smoke is a loyal friend and a prominent member of the Groove Street family. However, as the game progresses, it becomes apparent that Smoke is driven by ambition and greed. His true motives are revealed when he betrays CJ and the gang by aligning with rival factions and corrupt officials. His larger-than-life personality and distinctive dialogue have made him a favorite among fans, leading to numerous one-liners and memes that have cemented his place in gaming culture. Whether that be the infuriating “all you had to do was to follow the damn train CJ” or his unusually long order of “Two number nines, a number nine large, a number six with extra dip, a number seven, two number 45s, one with cheese, and a large soda.” Despite his despicable actions, Big Smoke will forever be a villain we love to hate proving his final words to be true “When I’m gone, everyone gonna remember my name,  Big Smoke!”

Whether it be in games, films, or novels characters are the heartbeat of a good story. We connect with the story through the characters. Their journeys allow us to see part of ourselves in them. Even 20 years after its release GTA San Andreas characters make the game a great experience.